As education and LGBTQIA organizations, advocates, and allies, we have reviewed the revised guidelines on Civil Rights Protections and Supports for Transgender or Gender-Diverse Students [“the Guidance”] issued in January 2024 by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).
This Guidance reflects an important step in ensuring the safety, rights, and educational success of transgender and gender-diverse students in Connecticut’s schools.
In addition, on April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released a final rule that affirms that Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status, and other sex-based characteristics and stereotypes. School districts have a deadline of August 1, 2024, to comply with the updated regulations.
State and federal requirements
The CSDE Guidance affirms that both state and federal laws require that transgender students be treated equitably within school environments. The Guidance explicitly prohibits the intentional misnaming and misgendering of transgender and gender-diverse students, recognizing these actions may constitute unlawful discrimination. It also identifies state and federal rules that require the appropriate updating of student records. These requirements are essential to a respectful and inclusive atmosphere where all students can learn.
Name changes
Furthermore, the Guidance makes clear that students can request name changes without going through a formal name change process and without providing court documentation. It also recognizes that there are no specific requirements for the submission of documentation to establish a student’s gender identity. The CSDE appropriately acknowledges that there may be students whose gender is fluid or nonbinary and that such students’ gender identity must also be recognized and respected. This ensures that schools remain supportive and adaptive to each student’s experience.
Professional development
The Guidance also emphasizes the importance of professional development for school staff. By advocating for comprehensive training and the appointment of a designated point person in each school, the CSDE indicates the importance of educators and administrators being equipped to support transgender and gender-diverse students effectively. This approach is essential for students in all grades, including K-12, and is needed to foster an environment of understanding and support for students from a young age.
Restroom access
The CSDE’s continued commitment to providing access to restrooms and other gender-segregated facilities and programs based on a student’s gender identity is a critical component of the Guidance.The Guidance includes provisions that transgender and gender-diverse students may not be required to use facilities inconsistent with their gender identity. Additionally, the Guidance makes it clear that transgender and gender-diverse students must be included in school trips, including overnight stays, which is a step towards full inclusivity.
Discrimination-free learning
The Guidance draws extensively from existing federal and state laws to ensure their application in practical scenarios so that transgender and gender-diverse students may participate in all programs and activities of schools free from discrimination. The Guidance emphasizes that all forms of harassment and discrimination – including misnaming students or disclosing confidential information relating to a transgender student’s identity — are antithetical to a safe and conducive learning environment.
Further protections
With these protections clearly outlined, we call on the CSDE to take these additional steps:
- Discourage school districts from adopting policies about information disclosure pertaining exclusively to transgender students.
- Fund the professional development opportunities described in the Guidance.
- Invest in school climate assessments.
In addition to this response, we offer supplemental FAQS and a best practices guide to illustrate how to support students for educators and to let parents, caregivers and students know what they should expect from their school.
We stand ready to support and assist schools as they adopt these protections and make schools safe and affirming for all students.
Center for Children’s Advocacy
Equality CT
GLAD
Out Accountability Project
Special Education Equity for Kids